Are young people becoming too dependent on the Internet?

If you sit back and try to think about the last day you went without the Internet, a cell phone or TV, chances are you would have a hard time coming up with an answer.

With all the time wasted on computers and electronics, teens have become increasingly inactive.

The Internet's not all bad. It's usually the No. 1 thing teens use because of all its possibilities -- checking grades, researching, chatting and making plans. I couldn't imagine not being able to rely on such ways of communicating.

The Internet has also made it much easier to stay in touch with friends and make new ones. Teachers have moved away from some of their pen-and-paper assignments to take advantage of all the technology.

However, computer companies are providing the Web everywhere. The latest products from iPod and Sony come with Wi-Fi accessibility. This means the Internet has become more accessible than ever before -- if that's even possible!

Research from the American Heart Association shows teens spend an average of 20 hours a week in front of a computer or TV. With so many distractions around us, when are teens supposed to make time to hang out with friends or relax with their families?

Because they are spending so much time online, many teens miss out on what's truly important. Downloading music and commenting on pictures is fun, but it's not necessary to do this on a daily basis.

The Internet is great for most things, but nothing will replace a hug from your best friend ... not even an application on Facebook.

JA Alonzo, WALTER PAYTON

NO

The 'Net is just one tool needed for high school

Those who consider "kids these days" to be overly-dependent on the Internet like to point out how we're always using it to keep in touch with friends or do homework or stay up-to-date on current events or find new writers to read and bands to listen to and movies to watch.

But these critics seem to be forgetting something. It's not like we are the first generation of teens that wants to communicate with those outside our world of home and school.

Even before the Internet, we could have done all this before -- with good old books and telephones, or telegraphs, or scrolls and stone tablets.

The thing is that calling us dependent on the Internet is the same as calling us dependent on a calculator for a math class, a notebook for an English class, or No. 2 pencils for a standardized test.

For today's generation of teens, using the Internet is the same as using a library card. Or having a diploma.

There's a difference between dependence and over-dependence.

One can't be overly-dependent on something that really doesn't have any other alternative, any other options as practical or as effective.

So when we use the Internet, we're using the Internet for what it is -- a tool -- one that does more and better things than past options. With the emphasis placed on the speed and accuracy of today's technology, it makes sense for us to make the most of the resources at our disposal.